Covid-19: Malayan tiger in Bronx Zoo in New York tests positive, 6 other big cats show mild symptoms

A Malayan tiger, who lives at the Bronx Zoo in New York, United States (U.S.) tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement on Apr. 5, 2020 by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which manages Bronx Zoo, the four-year-old female tiger, Nadia, developed a dry cough and was confirmed to have the coronavirus by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

7 big cats in the Bronx Zoo developed the dry cough

According to WCS, seven big cats developed a dry cough and have exhibited a reduced appetite.

Other than their decrease in appetite, the affected cats at the Bronx zoo were reported as being "bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers" and are doing well under the care of the veterinary team.

The seven big cats include four of the tigers in the zoo, including Nadia, and three African lions.

The four affected tigers reside in the Tiger Mountain exhibit at the zoo.

Nadia, the female tiger who tested positive for Covid-19, was tested for the virus out of caution and the zoo management stated that it will contribute any knowledge gained about the novel coronavirus in big cats.

WCS said in its statement that it anticipates that the affected big cats will recover fully:

"It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries."

Other cats in the zoo, such as the snow leopards, cheetahs, clouded leopard, Amur leopard, puma or serval, are not showing any signs of illness.

Big cats were infected by a person who was caring for them

According to WCS, the cats were infected by someone who was caring for the cats while they were asymptomatic for Covid-19 and had not developed any symptoms.

The zoo now that measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus for all staff caring for the cats and the other cats in the four zoos that WCS manages.